Whole genome sequencing to determine surface layer protein A (SlpA) gene sequence.. Clostridium difficile surface layer protein sequence investigation.

The primary aim of this study was to confirm the sequences of the surface layer protein-encoding gene SlpA in four clincial C. diffcile strains of interest. Innate immune responses to surface layer proteins from these strains were characterised. The strains included the previously reported ribotype 001 strain R13537, as well as strains belonging to riboypes 027, 078 and 014 which were isolated from symptomatic patients at St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland between 2010-2011.